Determine the best size
Determine the best size for your banner, poster or sign. There are several factors to consider. First, think about your message and your audience. Do you want to shout or subtly remind?

Consider the placement
Carefully review where the piece will be placed. While bigger is usually better, it is also possible to overpower an area. Use paper mock-ups to gauge what size will work best. In determining where to place a banner, poster or sign, consider how people will move past the item and where to best capture their attention. To maximize exposure, the message can be conveyed in more than one location. Also, make it easy for customers to act on your message. Once you have their attention, what do you want them to do? Sign up? Ask questions? Request a brochure?

Think about color choices
Determine what colors you will use to attract attention. In public places, with lots of competition, bright and bold colors also help you break through the “clutter,” whereas subdued hues may get lost. Color choices should be consistent with existing marketing materials. At the same time, make sure color selections for a large display complement the mood and environment.

Say it in pictures
The old adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” is magnified when it comes to banners, posters and signs. Seldom are these formats used with words only. You have only a few seconds to capture someone’s attention. Visuals, whether photos or other graphics, are essential. The best visuals are those that contain a strong central focal point as opposed to many elements that may not convey a clear message at a glance.

Choose the proper font size
Words must be large enough to read at a distance. Stand back at least five feet from your banner, poster or sign. If you cannot read it, increase the type size. Also, choose simple, easy-to-read typestyles and avoid those that are ornamental or in script. Always use as few words as possible to convey your message concisely.

Pick the most efficient materials
New digital color printing technology has created a long list of new materials and techniques for producing signs, posters and banners. This list can be daunting, but by asking a few simple questions, your print professional will make your decisions easy:

Determine where the piece will be displayed and length of use to help dictate the material on which it will be printed. Outdoor banners are almost always created on vinyl with metal grommets for hanging. Most indoor signs are produced on paper and mounted on foam core for short-term use. Large format signage printed at Insty-Prints will always utilize UV (ultra violet) inks that resist fading. Laminating preserves signs that will be used for a long time or will be subject to fingerprints, spills (which will cause the ink to run), or being written on. Of course, your budget will also determine the nature of your sign, poster or banner. Costs are typically calculated per square foot, and will vary based on material, lamination and mounting.